L.A. Now Live: Discuss the Mars rover Curiosity

Times science writer Amina Khan will join City Editor Shelby Grad for a discussion about the Mars rover Curiosity expedition and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists behind it.

The live chat is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday.

Curiosity is the most advanced machine ever sent to another planet. If all goes according to plan, the rover will touch down on Mars on Sunday and begin rolling along the surface a few days later. 

Curiosity will be the eyes and ears for an international team of about 350 earthbound scientists. The rover's goal is to climb a 3-mile-tall mountain and gather evidence that could resolve a long-standing mystery: Was there life on Mars in its warmer, wetter past — and could it sustain life today?